Specifiers Journal 2015-2016

Insulation measures? The

Insulation measures? The National Insulation Association provides all the facts and figures for Architects and Associates Energy efficiency in new builds and renovations is a must-have measure and the correct degree of insulation, whether through Cavity Wall, External and Internal Solid Wall or Loft Insulation, is essential when considering any project. The National Insulation Association (NIA) and its members are the preferred choice for organisations looking for support in the design and delivery of their upcoming refurbishment and new build projects. NIA members have considerable experience of working with energy suppliers, private and social housing managers, funders, builders and other specifiers in delivering high quality energy efficiency schemes. With around 200 members including the leading manufacturers/system suppliers and installers of cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation (both external and internal), loft/roof insulation and draught proofing, the NIA is able offer a one-stop shop with a range of support including: • Information, advice and guidance on the funding opportunities. • Assistance with the design, specification and delivery of multi property, multi measure upgrades including bespoke solutions. • Access to a national network of qualified installers who can all be found on the NIA website. • Issue expressions of interest and requests to tender for installation work to NIA members. • An online member directory via its website www.nia-uk.org Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the NIA, commented: “Companies have to meet our strict membership 90 SPECIFICATION JOURNAL 2015-2016 criteria to join the NIA which includes appropriate levels of insurance, relevant accreditations and approvals, Health and Safety and customer care policies and procedures and statutory accounts. This provides specifiers and project managers with assurance and peace of mind when choosing an NIA member. “Along with our established Code of Professional Practice (CoPP) for domestic consumers, we recently launched a new CoPP for our members operating in the new build and commercial markets designed to provide clients and specifiers in these sectors with additional reassurance by setting out the quality, standards and professionalism they can expect from an NIA member. “We have also had an increasing number of Local Authorities (LAs) and Housing Associations (HAs) contacting us asking for help in finding insulation companies to carry out work on their behalf. “Therefore we have launched an ‘expression of interest and tender request’ service. Through this free service, we will issue expressions of interest and tender requests to our members on behalf of LAs, HAs, other specifiers and project managers which provides them with the benefit of avoiding the need to contact lots of different companies and is immediate in saving time and money.” Being an associate member The NIA is not just for insulation installers and contractors; the association has many associate members who benefit from our expertise and the access we can provide to installer members. Any business with a vested interest in building would have a vested interest in being one of our associates. If you are interested in being part of the NIA email Bev@nia-org.uk Remember: In working together we provide a more robust and coherent service to the industry. Know your Insulation! The industry is forever changing and new technologies bring new products and measures, but basically insulation can be split into several areas: Loft Insulation Most loft insulation materials work by preventing the movement of heated air through the material. The Government says energy bills could be cut by up to 20% through effectively insulating the loft. • The main materials used by NIA installers are Blown Mineral Wool (Glass or Rock Wool), Blown Cellulose (Recycled Newspaper), Quilted Mineral Wool (Glass or Rock Wool).

• The recommended depth for loft insulation is 270 millimetres for glass wool, 250 millimetres for rock wool or 220 millimetres for cellulose. • Loft Insulation can help lower your heating bills, lower wear and tear on your boiler and reduce global warming and climate change. • There are a number of grants and schemes available to home owners which can substantially reduce the cost of installing these products. Cavity Wall Insulation Cavity Wall Insulation stores the heat within the inner walls, bouncing it back into the room and holding it for longer. This gives a more even temperature and eliminates draughts. • The main materials used by NIA installers are Mineral Wool (Glass or Rock Wool) and EPS Bead (Polystyrene bead). • Cavity Wall Insulation can lower your heating bills, lower wear and tear on your boiler and reduce global warming and climate change. • The recommended cavity width for installation is 50mm. • The CIGA (Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency) issues an independent 25 year guarantee covering defects in materials and workmanship. • Cavity Wall Insulation can give you an annual saving of up to £275. Solid Wall Insulation Especially important for renovations, Solid Wall Insulation comes in several forms – Internal Wall, External Wall or a hybrid between the two. The added benefit of External Wall Insulation is that it also goes a long way in making an older property aesthetically pleasing too. Improving the thermal efficiency of solid-wall properties is an area which has massive potential for the future as this is an area where very little work has been done to date. However, more individuals are starting to recognise the advantages and so this is an area which is now seeing real growth. In homes with solid walls, 45% of heat can escape through the walls. Insulating the walls will dramatically prevent heat loss in the winter. Here are just some of the further benefits: • Can help with condensation problems. • Makes your home warm and cosy. • Reduces fuel bills. • Saves up to 45% of heat loss. • Minimum disruption for the householder. • Internal Wall Insulation: quick and easy to install, improves the thermal efficiency. • External Wall Insulation: improves appearance of the building. Draft Prevention Uncontrolled leakage of air through gaps in dwellings in general results in unnecessary heat loss and discomfort to the occupants from draughts. One of these routes is through gaps around windows and doors and draught proofing can greatly reduce this leakage. This can have a profound effect, with a typical home losing up to 20% of its heat through air leakage. For more information about the NIA, its services and member benefits, email Bev Coombe Bev@nia-uk.org or go to www.nia-uk.org SPECIFICATION JOURNAL 2015-2016 91